Xpeng Plans 2026 Robotaxi Launch and Trial Operations
Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) announced it will introduce three robotaxi models in 2026, marking a significant push into the robotaxi sector.
Advanced AI and Computing Power
The robotaxis will be equipped with four of Xpeng's proprietary Turing AI chips, delivering computing power up to 3,000 TOPS.
According to Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng at the 2025 AI Day event in Guangzhou, these vehicles will leverage Xpeng's second-generation VLA (Vision-Language-Action) model for adaptive driving across diverse traffic conditions worldwide.
Design and Operational Benefits
- No modifications are needed on the vehicles, and they do not depend on high-definition maps, reducing production costs.
- Robotaxis can operate beyond limited zones, enabling cross-city and cross-border deployment globally.
- External interaction features allow pedestrians to see the vehicle's intended actions—like turning or parking—through the windshield.
Collaborative Development
Xpeng will provide a robotaxi Software Development Kit (SDK) to partner with global collaborators, fostering an open ecosystem for robotaxi innovation.
"These robotaxis will feature four of Xpeng's in-house developed Turing AI chips, delivering computing power of up to 3,000 TOPS." – He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO
Author's summary: Xpeng's 2026 robotaxi launch combines powerful AI chips, adaptive driving models, and open collaboration to enable scalable, cost-efficient autonomous taxi services worldwide.